Princess Nathalie, Beerbaum win

DOHA: Working her routines to perfection, Princess Nathalie Zu Sayn Wittgenstein of Denmark yesterday sparkled on the final day of the 2014 Al Shaqab Equestrian Competition, winning the event she dominated last year.

The 39-year-old Dane, astride horse Digby, won the Dressage Grand Prix and Freestyle categories in a repeat of last year’s performances.

Princess Nathalie posted an aggregate of 80.875 percent in freestyle to secure the top prize of Euros 30,000.

In the Freestyle category, she registered a 75.740 percent pocketing Euros 10,000.

The second and third spots in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle were grabbed by Lone Bang Larsen, who is also from Denmark and Swiss Patrick Kittel.

Also yesterday, with German rider Ludger Beerbaum in the saddle, Chiara 222 won the Grand Prix of Al Shaqab.

Beerbaum picked up the top prize of Euros 214,500.

In second place was Sea Coast Forlap ridden by Gregory Wathelet. The third place was secured by Nicola Philippaerts who was riding Cortez.

Second-placed Wathelet picked up Euros 130,000 while Philippaerts walked off with Euros 68,250.

“I am very pleased with today’s performance. Digby (horse) was very good I am really happy that he came back here and performed two tests,” Princess Nathalie said during a news conference.

“I mean if it (Digby) had been at a World Championship or a European Championship, he would have been placed higher,” Princess Nathalie added.

She also pointed out that she had spread the word back home that ‘Al Shaqab is not a place to miss’.

“I have been here for the second time now. The whole competition is fantastic. We told the riders last year at home that you have to come to Doha, it’s fantastic. And we will try our best to get as many riders possible,” she added.

Carlos Lopez, Dressage Discipline Manager, while pointing out that the event was ‘perfectly organised’, said that their ‘aim is to help Qatar in developing their own dressage team’.